Craven Corporations Are The New Enforcers of Social Conformity

Actually a lot of people may say, "The New Enforcers? Where have you been for 100 years?"

I guess that may be true.

I'm writing my own post on this issue, but Noah Rothman has a piece up about a craven capitulation by yet another corporation over fears that a dozen or so angry cranks constitute an unbearable threat to their brand.

It bears repeating that noting the contradictions above is not the same as condoning offensive behavior. There is, however, something perverse in the cyclical nature of the reptilian online mob arising, demanding a sacrifice, and moving on to the next target with equal rapidity. They demand conformity of thought and behavior, they are unforgiving of mistakes, and they do not accept apologies. They are not always easily appeased, but [experience] suggests that they can be ignored without much consequence.

It would appear that the mob only has the power that they are granted by the cowardly corporate entities who attempt to assuage them. Their employees are only human; they make mistakes. Would it really destroy a brand if these firms acknowledged that?

posted by Ace at 02:45 PM

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